County public health director to retire

Henderson County Health Director Tom Bridges plans to retire Dec. 1, according to a news release issued today by Henderson County government.

Bridges' more than 38 years in public service include 15 years as Henderson County health director.

He has served as the president of the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors since 2000, according to the release. He has also served as the president of the North Carolina Public Health Association since 2005. In 2008 he was given the distinguished Ronald H. Levine Legacy Award for Public Health in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public health in North Carolina.

“My major effort here at Henderson County has been to seek collaboration and to grow the agency professionally while maintaining or offering new and vital services," Bridges stated in the release. "This heath department has been blessed with a great staff - both past and present - and through such caring people, the agency has maintained high professionalism and trust throughout the community and the state. The present Board of Health is one of the finest with which I have worked, and I know that my successor will be fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed Board.”

Bridges currently serves as the president-elect of the Southern Health Association and will serve as president next year.